at you. I’ll make him tell me the whole story
again—where, how often, how long ago—and when
he plans to sleep with your wife in the future. I’m
telling you, just watch his face. But stay calm, and
don’t get carried away by rage, or I’ll think
you’re not a man.

OTHELLO

Dost thou hear,
Iago?

80I will be found most cunning in my patience,

But—dost thou hear?—most bloody.

OTHELLO

Do you hear what I’m saying, Iago? I’ll be
very patient, but—do you hear
me?—I’m not done with him yet

IAGO

That’s
not amiss,

But yet keep time in all. Will you withdraw?

IAGO

That’s fine, but for now keep your cool. Will you go
hide?

OTHELLO withdraws

OTHELLO hides.

Now will I question Cassio of Bianca,

A huswife that by selling her desires

85Buys herself bread and clothes. It is a creature

That dotes on Cassio, as ’tis the strumpet’s
plague

To beguile many and be beguiled by one.

He, when he hears of her, cannot refrain

From the excess of laughter. Here he comes.

Now I’ll ask Cassio about Bianca, a prostitute who
sells her body for food and clothes. She’s crazy about
Cassio. That’s the whore’s curse, to seduce
many men, but to be seduced by one. Whenever he talks about her he
can’t stop laughing.

Enter CASSIO

CASSIO enters.

90As he shall smile, Othello shall go mad.

And his unbookish jealousy must construe

Poor Cassio’s smiles, gestures, and light behavior

Quite in the wrong.—How do you now, lieutenant?

And when he laughs, Othello will go crazy. In his ignorant
jealousy, he’ll totally misunderstand Cassio’s
smiles, gestures, and jokes.—How are you,
lieutenant?